Carrying a Tourniquet While Diving

Great concept,but really practical?
Wanted to open this on it's own thread.
Sitting here, comfortably in front of the computer, it's easy to rationalize applying a tourniquet to a bleeding wound.
But in the heat of the moment would you really have the opportunity or the wherewithal to do it given a GWS scenario given the pain, fear and shock of the moment? Would your motor skills, at that moment, even be capable of deploying the device properly? Would you even be able to get it out of the case?
And what's to say the GWS wouldn't have taken it during the attack?
I think it would be better to leave it on your dive platform if you are going to have one at all.
You certainly won't be applying it in the water. That's the first place you want to get out of.
Way too many times I've seen people talk the talk but when the $#!T really hit the fan they were completely incapable of walking the walk.
If you want to carry one on your person, that's fine, but have a back up in your dive platform.

 

Interesting idea and could save a life.  I think it would be more for saving your buddy rather than yourself but the new combat tourniquets are designed to be applied with a single hand.  They are small and light so why not carry...

We carry these on our fire engines:   http://www.combattourniquet.com/

It's important to tighten only until the bleeding stops, no further.  And ALWAYS record the time it was applied

I've been researching these since the attack the other day. At only $30, they are inexpensive enough that everybody should have one on their float. I'm also seriously rethinking ever diving alone again (which I rarely do anyways).

Always carried it in my thigh pocket on my wetsuit. Chuckled when I thought I’d the possibility of watching it disappear with my leg.

CATs are simple. Yes I’m the heat of the moment you can apply them, even in the water(if you’re still in for whatever reason). Even one handed if you’re missing and arm isn’t unrealistic.

 One on the kayak and one on your person is a good idea.

There’s also your rubber weight belt, speargun bands, and an ab bar to tighten. TQs aren’t high tech. It’s just a band that cuts off circulation.

And don’t delay anything recording a time. General idea, maybe glance at a watch and mentally note it.

There’s also your rubber weight belt, speargun bands, and an ab bar to tighten. TQs aren’t high tech. It’s just a band that cuts off circulation.

Extra weight belt sans weights with a couple more holes punched in or extra spearband material on yak.
In a pinch pop off a spear band.

Definitely a good topic.  For some reason I can be very calm in crazy situations and would be able to apply a tourniquet to someone else but would probably fall apart if it was a family member needing it. 

I would recommend some training in using one and when to use one. 

You really need to believe the person will bleed out if it is not used before the option should be considered.  There are many times when a puncture wound or laceration should have something place on top with pressure until they can be taken to the hospital.  Otherwise you can cause more damage or cause a limb to be amputated when it otherwise wouldnÂ’t need to be. 

I think a Tourniquet is a great idea.

A marine radio is a must. Especially in remote areas.

I think the following precautions are good to take when diving:

• Always dive with a buddy and have a plan in case things go wrong.
• Dive off a kayak or boat when possible.
• Have a dry bag with a marine radio, tourniquet and "Quick Clot".

If something happens, put out a distress call immediately. (Have the radio already on channel 16).

I think having a tourniquet on you while diving is a little excessive, unless you are shore diving or diving solo. I think having a dive partner/partners that can assist and call for help in the case of an emergency is a good call.
 

I think a Tourniquet is a great idea.

A marine radio is a must. Especially in remote areas.

I think the following precautions are good to take when diving:

• Always dive with a buddy and have a plan in case things go wrong.
• Dive off a kayak or boat when possible.
• Have a dry bag with a marine radio, tourniquet and "Quick Clot".

If something happens, put out a distress call immediately. (Have the radio already on channel 16).

I think having a tourniquet on you while diving is a little excessive, unless you are shore diving or diving solo. I think having a dive partner/partners that can assist and call for help in the case of an emergency is a good call.

I’m not sure why you think that is excessive. Do you know how quick you bleed out when you have an arterial bleed? Quicker than I can get to my kayak half the time. Especially if I’m injured or missing a limb.

We carry these on our fire engines:   http://www.combattourniquet.com/

I know a little. Those are the ones to use, and the ones that I carry. Be very careful if buying from amazon etc, lots of Chinese knock-offs floating around and the plastic knob can fail while tightening on a cheaper version. They are very easy to use, but make sure to get familiar with how to apply it before you may actually need it.

What a great conversation. After reading this I put one in my dive gear.

Great subject, My good friend in IL that served and saw combat informed me about this a few years ago. My GF bought me it for Xmas a few months later . I carry it in my car and most of the time on the water. I agree with whats said above is practice and read up on how to use it.